The artificial jaw was made from titanium powder, heated and built-up in layers in a 3D printer to create a working lower jaw which was then finished with a bioceramic coating.

The implant, which was designed and built by LayerWise, a Belgian metal parts manufacturer, was fitted in an operation in the Netherlands in June last year.

Dr Jules Pokens, of Hasselt University, led the team of surgeons. He said: "The new treatment method is a world premiere because it concerns the first patient-specific implant in replacement of the entire lower jaw."

He added: "Shortly after waking up from the anesthetics the patient spoke a few words, and the day after the patient was able to speak and swallow normally again."

Ruben Wauthle, of LayerWise, said that 3D printing could reduce costs of medical treatment, because operations are quicker and recovery time is shorter.

Speaking to the the BBC, Mr Wauthle said: "You can build parts that you can't create using any other technique. For example you can print porous titanium structures which allow bone in-growth and allow a better fixation of the implant, giving it a longer lifetime."

Though 3D printers have been around for some time, their use for medical purposes is relatively new. The printers can use a range of materials, including plastics, metals, nylon and recycled paper. Newer models can even print using mixed materials.

Aircraft manufacturers are exploring the possibility of printing wings and other parts because the 3D printing production model produces less waste and can print complex objects as a single piece.

Scientists hope to one day be able to print human tissue and organs as well as bones, but admit that that day is still some way off.